Page 81 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

Now it was Kristy’s turn to beam. “Thanks.”

Time to get it over with. She turned to Rusty. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Rusty’s looked around. “Who?”

“My father.”

“Your father? State Senator Winslow? He’s here?”

“Don’t turn around, but he’s at the table right in front of this one.” While her father was standing up talking to someone, she noted that Dean was seated and looking in her direction.

“You didn’t tell me he was coming.”

“I didn’t know until my mother called. But he’s here, and you should meet him.”

He nodded as his Adam’s apple moved in a gulp.

“And I have to warn you, my ex-fiancé is here too.”

That news raised his eyebrows. “Your ex-fiancé?”

“Long story. I’ll fill you in later. And all the reasons why he is an ex.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Lead on.”

She loved feeling she was a part of him as they walked toward the table.

“Be warned—Dean is full of himself.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

She kissed his cheek as they walked. “Thank you for that.”

***

Rusty could feel the sweat at the back of his neck. He wiped the palm of his right hand on his trousers in case he had to shake hands.

This was definitely a step forward. A big step. A sign he’d been waiting for. Meeting the larger-than-life father. The person whose opinion would likely mean more to Kristy than she would admit. Because ever since he’d learned that she wasn’t intimidated by the fact he had some baggage, he’d been thinking of a future. With her in it.

Well, at least he was cleaned up. He couldn’t get more cleaned up than in a tuxedo.

It would have been hard to miss the mostly male contingent at the center table, if he’d ventured a look in that direction. He spotted Sam Winslow, standing and surrounded by other suits. Rusty recognized him from the internet search and subsequent newspaper articles he’d read. He was probably the main reason for the TV crew. And by the way people were coming up to him, the man knew it.

The dude sitting and staring at Kristy like he was trying to cast a spell over her, looked as if he could be a male model. Chiseled features, perfectly groomed black hair, broad shoulders. Only the shifty eyes suggested something darker underneath the veneer. That had to be the guy.

As they neared, her father did a double take and stepped toward them, brushing off the guy talking to him. He fastened his jacket button. Her father was on the lower side of six feet, but his broad shoulders and wide stance announced his presence. Along with a pair of piercing blue eyes and five o’clock shadow.

Kristy leaned against Rusty’s shoulder for the briefest moment, then righted herself and stiffened her spine.

“Daddy, I want you to meet—”

Her father instantly extended his hand. “You must be Rusty. The hair gave you away.”

She’d told her father about him? That sounded promising. “Sir.” Rusty grasped her father’s hand and gave as good as he got. “Pleased to meet you, Senator Winslow.”

The senator stepped back. “Heard you’re a cowboy. Or were.”

Rusty was set to correct him, but Sam Winslow barreled ahead. “And that you served in the air force, so let me thank you for your service, young man.”

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